The story of Ivor Johnson's Neighbours, about to hit the Theatre North West stage, has nothing to do with Scooge, but it will stir the very heart of the Christmas spirit.
"At the centre of the play is the subject of kindness, courage and generosity - like Christmas," said Niagara's Bill Vickers, well known actor to Prince George theatregoers.
"It's soul medicine. It's often easy to be cynical and mocking, but more difficult to be kind and understanding, and that 's what the story is about despite the fact it's a comedy with serious issues."
Vickers, who's played the role of Scrooge here twice in A Christmas Carol, explained that Ivor Johnson "is the central morale glue who advises his neighbours who ask for his wisdom about their issues."
Set in a village in Nova Scotia about the time of Queen Elizabeth's coronation, it's a community "of misfit neighbours," said Vickers.
"I'm one of those neighbours - a rascal whose life priorities are drinking, eating, women and music." Wearing overalls and a checkered shirt, Vickers, playing the role of Duddy, is looked upon as the neighbourhood carpenter.
"Everyone calls me the half-assed carpenter because I'd sooner sit on the porch, drink, and watch the women go by rather than work. It's a role that's a joy to play," said Vickers.
It seems the neighbours all have issues, and Ivor Johnson sits calmly in the middle of it all as the wise man of the village, said Vickers. The question is whether the neighbours make the right decisions.
"There are secrets in the story that are kept, but an important one is revealed towards the end of the play," Vickers said.
The cast of eight have names such as Duddy, Minnie, Tess and identical twins Edger and Ledger, who are as different as day and night.
The twins are played by one actor, Gil Garratt, from Toronto who's a newcomer to TNW and does a great job, Vickers said.
Returning to TNW is Dolores Drake of Vancouver, playing the twin's mother and Charlotte Gowdy of Toronto, in the role of Pearl, Duddy's daughter.
Joining the cast members are first-time TNW actors Sherry Smith of Lower Sackville, N.S. who becomes Minnie; Viviana Zarrillo of Toronto playing Claudia, a new neighbour, and Krista Colosimo of Toronto, who has the role of Melissa, Claudia's lustful teenager daughter.
Vickers said audiences will have "a romping good time" at this play written by Charlie Rhindress and adapted from the novel by Bruce Graham.
"It can throw an audience off balance just like that. In the first three minutes they'll already be trying to figure it out. But nobody wants to go to the theatre to be bored."
Vickers said he's always elated to come back to TNW to work with director, Ted Price.
"He's a fine, precise and demanding director and he lets us know what he wants in a gentle, but persuasive manner."
The curtain goes up Nov. 18 through Dec. 5. There are two Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Nov. 28 and Dec. 5.
Tickets, at Books and Co. or by phone at 250-614-0039, are $26 for adults and $24 for students and seniors on weekdays and Sunday, and $28 for adults and $26 for students and seniors on Friday and Saturday. Tickets for the preview show Nov. 18 are $17.
For more information call TNW at 250-563-6969.
